Decorative joint system

ABSTRACT

A decorative system is provided which consists of a decorative assembly, which is in at least tow parts having a first elongate member and a second elongate member. The parts cooperate with each other and a support means, which is adapted for attachment to a wall to provide support for the assembly. The elongate members are adapted to be attached to the support means in positions such that they are both in contact with the support and in part are both in contact with the wall. The assembly is easy to adjust in-situ, easy to assemble and is easy to replace with minimum disruption to flooring and decoration.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a decorative joint system for use in decorative or architectural features for the ornamentation or finishing of a room or other environment, and in particular, although not exclusively, to decorative systems for use as skirting, architraving, picture rails, chair rails, and dado rails.

BACKGROUND ART

A variety of skirting systems, picture rails, dado rails and other such decorative or finishing items or assemblies are known. In certain known systems, the elongate members in the form of skirting boards, one-piece picture rails or other such rails are affixed to walls by simply nailing, or by drilling and screwing into the wall. The accurate positioning and attachment of such elongate members represents a problem, and one that may require a significant amount of skill to overcome. Also, when such elongate members are attached to a wall (and it will be understood that the term wall is being used here in a very general sense, and for example in the case of architraving may refer to a surface around a doorway, which may be horizontal or vertical) it is necessary to exercise care when decorating; the elongate members are typically left in place when decorating, and care must be taken not to adversely effect the finish of the elongate members, for example by splashing them with paint used to decorate the adjacent wall surfaces. Thus, with such existing decorative systems a significant amount of skill is required to decorate a wall or environment in which they are affixed. In addition such prior art systems are not easily replaced in part or whole when an alternative profile or aesthetic impact is desired.

In DE4036712 there is disclosed an edging strip for a wall base, which has a rigid recycled PVC support and two attachable flexible PVC covers which can be rolled up.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,289 there is disclosed a plastic retaining clip for trunking, which includes a fixing base attached locally to a longitudinal wall of a base section of the trunking and a retaining flap which is articulated to the fixing base and can move from a standby position, in which it allows unrestricted access to the underlying interior volume of the base section, to a service position, in which it closes that interior volume at least partly, extending substantially transversely relative to it.

In GB2174254 there is disclosed a surface mount trunking system having a backing plate adapted to receive numerous system components which may be snap-fitted.

In EP0637864 there is disclosed a PVC raceway assembly which includes a base and removable cover defining internal channels with discrete conductive shields mounted in each channel and a latching member is removably mounted between the cover and the base continuously along coextending lengths of the latching member and the cover, the latching member being in interfering relation to cover movements required for removal of the cover from the base.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to provide decorative systems, which obviate or mitigate at least one of the problems associated with the prior art. Particular embodiments aim to provide decorative systems, which are both aesthetically pleasing and yet are relatively easy to fit and which facilitate subsequent decorating and if desired may easily be replaced. In preferred embodiments the present invention provides a new joint system, which enables in particular, but not exclusively, wood based decorative or architectural features to be assembled as an alternative to conventional wood based decorative or architectural features. The new joint system is of particular benefit for the assembly of wooden wood based decorative or architectural systems such as skirting boards, picture rails, dido rails, architrave, chair rails and the like.

According to the present invention there is provided a joint system for decorative or architectural features comprising: an assembly comprising a first elongate member and a second elongate member, and support means adapted for attachment to a wall to provide support for the assembly, the first elongate member being adapted to be attached to the support means via a first attachment means in a first position in which the first elongate member is in contact with the support and in part is in contact with the wall, the second elongate member attached to the support via a second attachment means in a second position in which the second elongate member is in contact with the support and in part is in contact with the wall substantially parallel to the first elongate member attached in the first position.

The first and second elongate members and support means are adapted to interlock with each other ether directly or indirectly. This interlocking arrangement provides for a robust joint between the components, which under suitable applied pressure to the second elongate member may easily be separated.

In further embodiments the support means may be adapted for attachment to a wall along a desired line to provide support for the assembly along said line. In this arrangement the first and second elongate members may extend along the desired line when the support means is attached to the wall.

In further embodiments the first attachment means may be arranged to non-releasably or irreversibly attach the first elongate member to one or more support means. The support means may comprise an elongate support member, and this may be supplied in a form with the first elongate member pre-attached, e.g. with adhesive and/or with another form of attachment means between the support and first elongate member. In this embodiment a single support means may be attached to a single first elongate member. In a further embodiment there may be a plurality of support means attached to a single first elongate member. In a further embodiment there may be a plurality of first elongate members attached to a single support means.

In further embodiments the first attachment means may be arranged to releasably attach the first elongate member to the support means. For example, the first attachment means may be adapted such that the first elongate member is attachable to the support means by aligning the first elongate member in a position spaced from the wall in front of the support means attached to the wall and translating the aligned first elongate member towards the wall to said first position.

In further embodiments the second attachment means may be adapted to releasably attach the second elongate member to the support means attached to a wall. For example, the second attachment means may be arranged such that the second elongate member is attachable to the support means by firstly positioning the second elongate member against the wall and alongside the support means, the second elongate member extending in a direction generally parallel to the desired line, and secondly translating the second elongate member from this initial position towards the support in a plane parallel to the wall surface and into engagement with the support.

In further embodiments the support means comprises an elongate support member having a longitudinal axis. Then, the support member may comprise a plurality of fixing apertures spaced apart along said longitudinal axis for receiving fixing screws to attach the support member to a wall. For example, the plurality of fixing apertures may comprise a plurality of fixing slots, each fixing slot extending generally transversely to the longitudinal axis.

In further embodiments the first attachment means comprises an attachment members provided on the support member, and arranged to protrude in a direction generally away from a wall to which the support member is attached, and a corresponding recesses provided on the first elongate member to receive and engage the attachment member when the first elongate member is in the first position. In further embodiments the first attachment means may comprise a plurality of attachment members provided on the support member, and arranged to protrude in a direction generally away from a wall to which the support member is attached, and a plurality of corresponding recesses provided on the first elongate member to receive and engage the plurality of attachment members when the first elongate member is in the first position. The attachment member may comprise a rib protruding from a surface of the support member and extending along a length of the support member. The corresponding recess may, for example, comprise a longitudinal slot.

In further embodiments the first attachment means comprises a second attachment member e.g. rib protruding from a surface of the support member and extending along a length of the support member, in parallel arrangement to the first attachment member or rib, and a second corresponding recess e.g. longitudinal slot, provided on the first elongate member.

In further embodiments the first attachment means comprises adhesive arranged to attach the first elongate member to the support member.

In further embodiments the second attachment means comprises one or more attachment members provided on the support member, and arranged to protrude in a direction generally parallel to a wall to which the support member is attached, and one or more corresponding attachment members e.g. recesses, provided on the second elongate member to receive and engage the attachment member(s) of the support member when the second elongate member is in the second position. The attachment member of the second attachment means may, for example, comprise a rib attachment member extending along a length of the support member. The corresponding recess on the second elongate member may then comprise a longitudinal slot.

In further embodiments the rib attachment member of the second attachment means is arranged so as to be spaced from and parallel to a surface of a wall to which the support member is attached. In this embodiment the corresponding recess on the second elongate member is also arranged to be parallel to the surface of the wall.

In further embodiments the support member and assembly are adapted such that when the assembly members are attached to the support means, at least one longitudinal channel for routing a wire or cable is defined between the support member and at least one of the elongate members.

In further embodiments the first and second elongate members are adapted such that when attached to the support means in the first and second positions, a surface of the first elongate member abuts a surface of the second elongate member.

In further embodiments one of the first and second elongate members comprises a mating rib preferably elongate and the other one of the first and second elongate members comprises a corresponding mating slot or recess preferably elongate for receiving and engaging the mating rib, the arrangement being such that when the first and second elongate members are attached to the support means in the first and second positions, the mating rib is received in and engaged by the mating slot. There may be a plurality of mating ribs and corresponding mating slots on each one of the first and second elongate members. Preferably, there is a single mating rib and corresponding mating slot on one of the first and second elongate members. The mating rib and slot may be substantially rectangular in cross-section or preferably may be a taper fit with each other.

In a further embodiment the first attachment means of the support may comprise a second attachment member arranged to protrude from the support in a direction generally parallel to a wall to which the support member is attached. This second attachment member of the first attachment means may, for example like the first attachment member of the second attachment means, comprise a rib attachment member extending along a length of the support member. Likewise the second rib attachment member of the first attachment means may be arranged so as to be spaced from and parallel to a surface of a wall to which the support member is attached. The corresponding recess for the second attachment means on the first elongate member is also arranged to be parallel to the surface of the wall. However, this second rib attachment member is orientated to be in the opposing direction to that of the first attachment member on the support, which is associated with the second attachment means. This second attachment member engages with a slot provided in the first elongate member, which is preferably proximate to the mating slot of the first elongate member. In a preferred embodiment this slot is associated with the mating slot of the first elongate member, which accommodates the mating rib of the second elongate member. In this embodiment the mating slot of the first elongate member is modified to accommodate both the mating rib of the second elongate member and the rib of the second attachment member.

In further embodiments the second elongate members comprises at least one mating surface e.g. a slot, located on an internal surface exposed to the support means and the support means comprises a resilient mating rib extending from a support means surface exposed to the second elongate member. During engagement of the second elongate member with the support means the resilient mating rib deforms to enable it to be placed into locking engagement with the mating surface. In a preferred embodiment this locking feature is present in the assembly in cooperative combination with the second attachment means and the elongate mating rib/elongate mating slot arrangement between the first and second members. In further embodiments the second elongate member has an engagement surface, which is contacted by the mating rib before it engages with the mating surface, during assembly of the joint. This engagement surface may be a sloped region preceding the mating slot and which forms a surface from the mating rib of the second elongate member and the mating surface. In a further embodiment this engagement surface may also comprise a point narrowing proximate to the mating surface and this may be present in combination with the sloped region. This point narrowing reduces the distance between the second elongate member and the support means compared to the distance between the mating surface and the support means.

The joint may be assembled in various ways. The support is attached to a wall or solid surface and the first elongate member is secured to the support. At this point the second elongate member may be brought into contact with the support and first elongate member to effect the joint. In one embodiment the one or more attachment means e.g. ribs provided on the support member and the corresponding attachment means e.g. slots or recesses on the second elongate member are brought into contact with each other at the same time as the elongate mating rib of the second elongate member is brought into contact with the elongate mating slot of the first elongate member. In this position the second elongate member is now engaged with both the support and the first elongate member and the joint is partially formed. In one embodiment at this stage the resilient mating rib may be in contact (substantially non-deformed contact) with a sloping engagement surface or point narrowing on the second elongate member. In an alternative embodiment the resilient mating rib may not be in contact with the second elongate member at this point but is brought into contact with a sloping engagement surface or point narrowing on the second elongate member as this member is further moved into engagement with the support and first elongate member. As engagement proceeds, once the resilient mating rib is in contact with the second elongate member, the resilient mating rib deforms and is eventually lockingly engaged with the mating surface of the second elongate member as it is fully engaged with the support and first elongate member.

During assembly engagement of the second elongate member with both the support means and the first elongate member prior to significant deformation of the resilient mating rib ensures that there is a relatively limited degree of spatial i.e. lateral movement perpendicular to the plane of engagement of the second elongate member relative to the support means and first elongate member. After this point in order for assembly to be completed the mating rib of the support, which is made of resilient material must deform in contact with the sloping engagement surface so that it may move into contact and engagement with the mating surface or if present to move past the region of narrowing in order to engage with the mating surface. In a further embodiment the surface of the second elongate member upon which the mating surface is located is not parallel to the support. In a further embodiment there is a stopping surface associated with the matting surface such that during assembly the mating rib engages with the mating surface and abuts the stopping surface. In a further embodiment the support is resilient and is preferably manufactured from a resilient plastic, which is capable of being deformed during assembly of the joint. The use of such a support aids the locking mechanism by allowing the support to partially accommodate some of the deformation force, which would otherwise be accommodated by the resilient mating rib of the support thus putting less pressure on the resilient mating rib during assembly of the joint. When assembly is completed the resilient support and resilient mating rib are in the non-deformed state.

In further embodiments at least one of the assembly's elongate members is a moulding.

In further embodiment the assembly does not comprise a separate support means and first elongate member. In this embodiment the function of the support member and first elongate member are provided by a single assembly component having both functions. In this embodiment instead of two separate mouldings there is provided a single moulding.

In further embodiments the joint system comprises an additional component being a third elongate member and a third attachment means adapted to attach the third elongate member to the support means, when the support means is attached to the wall, in a third position in which the third elongate member extends along the line, alongside and substantially parallel to the first and second elongate members attached in the first and second positions. In this embodiment first and second elongate members may be arranged to engage with the third elongate member to form the joint. In one embodiment the first and second elongate members may be identical and both have the features of a first elongate member as hereinbefore described. In this embodiment the third elongate member incorporates features of the second elongate member as hereinbefore described, which are necessary to enable the first elongate members to engage and lock with the support and third elongate member. The third elongate member may be symmetrical offering these locking features proximate at two of its opposing edges. The resulting joint may therefore be symmetrical about the third elongate member.

The joint system may be incorporated into such decorative or architectural systems as skirting boards, picture rails, dido rails, architrave, chair rails, framing, cornicing and the like.

In a further embodiment when the joint is used in a skirting board arrangement the skirting board arrangement may comprise a cable management recess, which is located in the first elongate member at a surface, which is proximate to a floor on completion of the skirting board assembly.

The support may be of varying lengths, which correspond with the lengths of the first, second and/or third elongate members. The support may longer or shorter in length than the first, second and/or third elongate members; in this arrangement short sections of support may be bridged by longer sections of the first, second and/or third elongate members. It is therefore possible to extend the decorative or architectural feature to any desirable length incorporating first, second and/or third elongate members of the same or of varying lengths. Lengths of first, second and/or third elongate member, may bridge the join between adjacent support members. The support members may be spaced apart or may be arranged such that their ends abut each other.

The support is preferably manufactured from plastic. The various members attached to the support and each other may be manufactured form plastic e.g. extrusions or moldings, wood or MDF and the like. It is preferred that they are manufactured from wood.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to various specific embodiments of the invention as shown in the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of components of a skirting system embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the system from FIG. 1 partially assembled;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the components of the skirting system of FIG. 1 in assembled form;

FIG. 4 a is a schematic view of a support member of the decorative system embodying the invention fixed to a wall;

FIG. 4 b is a schematic view of part of another decorative system embodying the invention and attached to a wall;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of components of an architrave system embodying the invention;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of the architrave system of FIG. 5 shown respectively in partially assembled and assembled form;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the components of a picture rail system embodying the invention;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of the picture rail system of FIG. 8 shown respectively in partially assembled and fully assembled form;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the components of a chair rail system embodying the invention;

FIGS. 12 and 13 respectively show the chair rail system of FIG. 11 in partially assembled and then assembled form;

FIG. 14 is a cross section of an elongate support member of a decorative system embodying the invention. and

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of components of a skirting system embodying the invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the components of the skirting system of FIG. 15 in assembled form;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of components of an architrave system embodying the invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the architrave system of FIG. 17 shown in assembled form; and

FIG. 19 is a cross section of an elongate support member of a decorative system embodying the invention as used in the skirting systems and architrave system of FIGS. 15 to 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, a decorative system embodying the joint of the invention is a skirting system, which comprises a skirting board assembly comprising a first elongate member 1 and a second elongate member 2. The first elongate member 1 can also be described as a skirting board, and the second elongate member 2 can be described as an elongate moulding. These two components 1, 2 assemble together to form the skirting assembly. In FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, only relatively short lengths of these elongate components are shown for simplicity, but it will be appreciated that in practice these components may be supplied in relatively long lengths and may then be cut to size to suit the particular application. The skirting system also comprises support means in the form of an elongate support member 4 (again only a relatively short section of the elongate support member 4 is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 for simplicity, but it will also typically be supplied in long lengths for purchase and then cutting to the desired length). In this first embodiment the support member 4 has been formed by an extrusion process from plastic, and the first member 1 and the moulding member 2 are formed from wood. The support member may be made from extruded aluminium although plastic is preferred. The support may be made from co-extruded aluminium/rubber. The first elongate member 1 is elongate in the sense that it extends along a respective longitudinal axis A1. Similarly, the second elongate member 2 (a moulding) extends along its respective longitudinal axis A2, and the support member 4 extends along its longitudinal axis A4.

In this first embodiment, the support member 4 is separable from the first and second elongate members, but, as will be appreciated from the description below (especially with reference to FIG. 4 b), in alternative embodiments the support member 4 and first elongate member 1 may be supplied in pre-attached form, that is secured together with adhesive or some other means. The support member 4 in this first embodiment comprises a generally flat (planar) base or wall portion 41 having a rear face 412 for positioning against a wall to which the support member is to be attached, and a front face 411. Spaced apart along a length of the support member 4 are a plurality of fixing apertures, which in this example are fixing slots 417 which extend in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis A4 of the support member 4. Thus, to attach the support member 4 to a wall screws may be used, passing through these slots 417 and then either directly into the wall, or into a rawl plug provided in a hole drilled in the wall. Advantageously, by utilising fixing holes in the form of slots 417, correct alignment of the support member 4 on a wall is facilitated as the slots provide some degree of movement of the support member on the fixing screws, the positioning of which is therefore less crucial. With reference to FIG. 4, this shows a length of support member 4 positioned along (i.e. with respect to) a desired line L1 on a wall W1. The support member 4 has been cut to length, and it will be seen that it is not essential for the support member 4 to extend completely to the edges of the wall W1 at the corners C. This facilitates the fitting procedure. Although not shown in the figure, two or more screws may then be used to affix the support member 4 to the wall W1 through two or more of the fixing slots 417. Additional support members 4 may then be attached to the side walls W2 and W3 along lines L2 and L3 so that suitable lengths of the first and second elongate members 1, 2 can be attached to a support member to provide a continuous skirting assembly around the corners. Advantageously, it would be appreciated that the lower of the two elongate members of the skirting assembly (i.e. the board member 1) need not be mitred in the corners; instead it can be square-cut so that the portions of board 1 meeting in the corners simply abut each other at right angles. Only the moulding component 2, which is positioned on top of the board component 1 need by mitred. When the mitred moulding components 2 are clicked in place, they cover the joint between the board component 1 beneath and give the finished system an attractive appearance.

Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 in more detail, the first elongate member (i.e. the skirting board component 1) has a substantially flat front face 11 and a rear face 12. A first portion of this rear face 121 is recessed to accommodate the thickness of the base or plate portion 31 of the support member such that a second portion 122 of the rear face 12 can abut against the wall surface to which the base portion 41 is attached. The skirting system comprises first attachment means for attaching the first member 1 to the support member 4. This first attachment means comprises a pair of parallel and longitudinally extending ribs 413, 414 which protrude forwards from the front face 411 of the base portion 41 of the support member 4, and a corresponding pair of longitudinally extending grooves or channels 103, 104 which are cut into the rear face 12 of the first elongate member 1 (i.e. they extend from the surface of the first portion 121 of the rear face, into the body of the first elongate member 1 to a desired depth. These grooves or channels 103, 104 are positioned so as to enable the first elongate member 1 to be push-fitted onto the support member 4 when that member is attached to a wall, with the ribs 413, 414 being received in channels 103 and 104 respectively. The ribs 413, 414 and channels 103, 104 are dimensioned such that they form an interference fit which is able to hold the first member 1 to the support member 4 with sufficient force. Conveniently, however, in this first embodiment the first elongate member 1 (i.e. the skirting board main component) can be relatively easily detached at a later time by simply pulling it away from the wall. Thus, the skirting board member 1 can be attached to the support member 4 by simply aligning the channels 103, 104 with the ribs 413, 414 and then translating the first member 1 in direction generally perpendicular to the wall to which the support member is attached (e.g. in a horizontal direction). In alternative embodiments, however, the first member 1 may be glued to the support member (pre-glued, as supplied to the user, or indeed glued in place after assembly by the user) so that it is non-removable.

A lower face 14 of the skirting board member 1 is provided with a cut-out 141 for receiving the edge of a carpet, or other flooring material. To the rear of this cut-out 141 a portion 1001 of the board member 1 extends downwards, and has a flat lower surface 1000. Advantageously, when the system is fitted to a wall, this surface 1000 is arranged to abut, i.e. rest upon, the floor or flooring material surface. Friction between this floor-engaging surface 1000 then prevents the lower end of the skirting board member 1 from slipping or otherwise moving forward, away from the wall. The cut-out 141 enables the edge of flooring material or floor covering material (e.g. carpet) to be accommodated under the board, giving a neat finish, whilst the friction surface 1000 is still in contact with the floor to prevent slipping away of the board 1 from the wall. The surface 1000 may, in certain embodiments, be adapted to increase friction with a floor, e.g. it may be coated or otherwise provided with friction-increasing material such as rubber. An upper face 13 of the skirting board member 1 comprises relatively flat portions 131 and 132 on either side of a groove or channel 133 which extends generally vertically downwards into the skirting board member from the upper face 13 to a desired depth. This groove or channel 133 also runs along the length of the elongate member 1 (i.e. it extends along the longitudinal axis A1) but the sides of this slot 133 are generally vertical, and hence are at substantially ninety degrees to the sides of the slots 103 and 104 forming part of the first attachment means. The purpose of this slot 133 is to receive a corresponding rib or flange 241 provided on the second elongate member 2 (i.e. the upper moulding component). This rib 241 extends generally downwards from the body of the moulding 2 and also extends along the moulding's length. A front face 21 of the upper member 2 has a shaped, decorative profile. The rear face 22 of the upper member 2 comprises an upper, substantially flat portion 221 for abutting against a wall surface. The rear face 22 is then cut away from this flat portion 221. The skirting system is then provided with second attachment means for attaching the second elongate member 2 to the support member 4. The second attachment means comprises a longitudinal rib or wall 416 provided on the support member 4 which runs along the upper edge of the support member 4 along its length but is spaced forwards from the base or wall portion 41 and is arranged so that its sides are generally parallel to the rear surface 412. The second attachment means then also comprises a longitudinal groove or channel 222 provided in the rear face 22 of the second elongate member 22 and facing downwards so as to receive and engage the upwardly directed rib 416 on the support member. Referring in particular to FIG. 2, the skirting board component 1 is shown fixed to the support member, with the first attachment means ribs 413 and 414 received in the respective slots 103 and 104. The board 1 has been fixed in this position by movement in the horizontal direction, indicated by arrow H. In this example, this movement has been performed after attaching the support to the wall, but in other examples it may have been done during manufacture of a combined support member and skirting board component, bonded together. Then, to attach the moulding member 2 it is first of all positioned above the support member 4 with the flat portion 221 of the rear face positioned against the wall. Then, the second member 2 simply has to be lowered down such that the upwardly directed rib 416 is received within the downwardly directed slot 222. At the same time the downwardly directed rib 241 of the upper member 2 is received within the upwardly directed slot 133 in the top face of the skirting board member 1.

Referring now to FIG. 3 in particular, the two components 1, 2 of the skirting assembly are shown assembled and attached to the support member 4. In this position, a shallow longitudinal groove 224 having a part-circular cross section is located on a further transverse rib 415 of support member 4, and provides a matting surface for the transverse rib 415. This shallow channel 224 extends horizontally into the body of the upper member 2 from a substantially flat surface 223, part of which forms one side wall of the channel 222 and which is parallel to, but spaced forward from the flat, wall engaging portion 221 of the upper member 2. This shallow groove and its engagement with the rib 415 assists in the assembly and then correct seating of the components on the support member 4. As will be seen from FIG. 3, with the first and second elongate members 1, 2 assembled together and attached to the support member 4, two channels C1 and C2 and defined inside the assembled system. Advantageously, these channels C1, C2 can be used for the routing of wires or cables within the assembled system, out of sight therefore not detracting from the aesthetic appeal of the system. In one embodiment the rib 415 may be rubber as part of a co-extruded aluminium/rubber support. Preferably it is part of a plastic support.

Also from FIG. 3, it will be appreciated that in this assembled form, the flat wall engaging portion 221 of the upper moulding 2 the flat rear surface 412 of the support member, and the flat, wall engaging portion 122 of the board member 1 are substantially co-planar and may closely abut the surface of a wall to which the support member 4 is attached. The support member 4, which may for example be formed from extruded plastic material, is not visible, it being completely enclosed against the wall by the skirting assembly components 1, 2.

Advantageously, in the event that the floor covering whose edge is received in the recess 141 is to be replaced with a floor covering of different thickness, both the first and second elongate members 1, 2 can usually be detached from the support member 4 and then the height of the support member on the wall adjusted by loosening the fixing screws and then utilising the range of movement provided by the fixing slots 417. Additionally, and alternatively, in order to decorate the portion of the wall above the skirting assembly, the upper component (i.e. the moulding 2) can simply be detached (by pushing it upwards, in the vertical direction, and then the wall painted, wallpapered, or otherwise finished while the upper portion 2 remains removed. It is then not necessary to be particularly accurate as the edge of the painting, wallpapering or other finishing is next to the upper end of the support member, which is obscured when the upper moulding 2 is refitted. Thus, when the decorating is complete the upper moulding 2 can be refitted with the flat portion 221 of its rear face covering the edge of the decoration.

Lastly, the system shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 is rendered easy to fit because the skirting board components 1 in a corner need not be mitred, whether they are secured to the member 4 or are removable. If they are removable they can easily be push-fitted to the support member by moving them in a direction perpendicular to the relevant wall. Although the moulding members 2, which sit above the board portion 1 need to be mitred, they attach to the support member 4 by movement in the vertical direction and so can be easily slotted into place.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, it will be appreciated that the second channel C2 providing the assembled skirting system is defined between a portion of the flat surface 223 of the upper member 2, a side wall of the upper transverse rib 415, a side wall of the transverse portion on which the upwardly directed rib 416 is arranged, and the portion of the front surface 411 of the base portion 41 of the support member 4 between those side walls. The first cavity or channel C1 is defined between an upper surface 131 of the skirting member 1, a portion of the rear surface 22 of the upper member 2, a portion of the front face 411 of the support member 4, and the lower sidewall of the rib 415. From FIG. 3 in particular, it will be appreciated that in the assembled arrangement, a flat surface portion 242 of the upper member 2 abuts the flat upper surface 131 of the lower board portion 1. A slanted portion of the moulding surface 225 connects this abutting surface 242 to the rear facing flat surface 223 in which the shallow groove 224 is provided.

In the first embodiment described above, the first attachment means comprising the ribs 413, 414 and corresponding receiving slots 103, 104 was adapted to provide releasable attachment of the first elongate member 1 to the support member 4. In alternative embodiments, however, the first attachment means is arranged to provide non-releasable attachment between the first elongate member 1 and the support member 4. In certain of these alternative embodiments the first attachment means achieve this non-releasable attachment by comprising adhesive which is arranged to bond the first elongate member 1 securely to the support member 4. Part of one of these embodiments is shown in FIG. 4 b. In this embodiment the structure of the support member 4 and first and second elongate member 1, 2 is generally the same as that of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, and for example the first attachment means between the support member 4 and the first elongate member 1 again comprises a pair of ribs 413, 414 and corresponding receiving slots 103, 104. However, the first attachment means additionally comprises adhesive arranged to secure the first elongate member 1 to the support member 4. It will be appreciated that this adhesive may be distributed in many different ways to achieve this effect and, for example, may have been applied to the ribs 413, 414, the surface in between the ribs, or to corresponding mating or abutting services of the first elongate member 1 during the manufacturing process. Then, the first elongate member 1 may be located on the attachment ribs 413, 414 such that the applied adhesive then secures the two components together. In FIG. 4 b the second elongate member 2 has not yet been fitted. However, the first elongate member 1 is non-releasably attached to the elongate support member 4. Indeed, in this embodiment the elongate support member 4 and first elongate member 1 have been supplied in this configuration that is with the first elongate member 1 being glued to the support, in long lengths for cutting to suit requirements. The combination of the support member and first elongate member has been secured to the wall W using the following method. Conveniently, locations for fixing holes to be drilled in the wall have first of all being marked out by positioning either the bottom edge 1410 of the rear portion of the first elongate member 1 on the floor surface next to the wall W, or the lower edge 1411 of the front face 11 of the first elongate member 1 resting on top of a floor covering, covering the floor adjacent the wall W. Then, the fixing slots 417 have been used as guides to mark the wall W with the location of the fixing holes. It will be appreciated that this is a simple and easy way to ensure that the fixing holes drilled in the wall are correctly located to seat the bottom edge or edges of the first elongate member 1 against the floor or floor covering. Typically, the location for each of the fixing holes will be chosen to be generally in the middle of each vertically extending slot 417 to provide a degree of adjustment to the precise fixing height of the assembly to the wall W. After marking, the sub-assembly of the support member 4 and first elongate member 1 is removed from the wall, suitable fixing holes are drilled and then, typically, rawl plugs are inserted. The support member and elongate member combination, which will typically have already been cut to a suitable length, is then repositioned against the wall and screws 4170 used to secure the combination to the wall by passing through the fixing slots 417 into the rawl plugs. A slight difference between this present embodiment and the one described with reference to FIGS. 1-4 is that the fixing slots 417 extend through the rib 415 of the attachment member, i.e. they interrupt it. In the present embodiment this elongate support member 4 has been formed by the extruding of plastic material and then the fixing slots are formed in the member, post-extrusion. By utilising these more extensive fixing slots 417 a greater degree of adjustment is available when fitting the decorative system. Such slots may also be used in other embodiments, and this can also provide the advantage that even after fitting, the more extensive slots are able to provide a relatively large amount of movement (provided, of course, that the fixing screws are firstly loosened) for decorating purposes. For example, if extensive fixing slots are used in picture rails systems embodying the invention the rails may be moved a significant distance up or down to facilitate decorating of the portions of the wall surface above and below the picture rail. Returning to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 b, this particular example is again a skirting system, and the first elongate member 1 glued to the support member 4 is a wooden skirting board member.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, these show another decorative system embodying the joint of the invention. Here the decorative system is an architrave system comprising an architrave assembly of a first elongate member 1 and a second elongate member 2, and a support member 4. As with the first embodiment, only relatively short sections of these elongate components are shown in the figures for simplicity. In practice, these components will typically be supplied in long lengths for cutting to suit. The structure of the architrave system is similar to that of the skirting system shown in FIGS. 1-3, and corresponding features are given the same reference numerals. Differences include the following. The first elongate member 1, rather than being a skirting board component is now a first moulding having a profiled front face 11 to give a decorative appearance. A nominal lower face (which may also be referred to as an outer face) of the first moulding 1 is substantially flat. An upper or inner face 13 of the first moulding 1 comprises a substantially flat portion 131 but extending generally perpendicularly from that surface 131 is a rib or flange 105 which also extends along the length of the moulding component 1. In this embodiment the first attachment means between the support member 4 and the first elongate member 1 comprises just a single rib 413 (extending outwardly from the front face 411 of the support member and running along its length) and a corresponding single groove or slot or channel 103 extending inwardly from a first portion 121 of the rear (or wall) face 12 of elongate member 1. The support member 4 is again provided with fixing means, but in this example, rather than fixing slots, the fixing means comprises one or more fixing holes 418. The second elongate member 2 is a second elongate moulding, having a substantially flat front face 21, a substantially flat outer side face 23, and an inner face 24 in which a longitudinal extending slot, channel or groove 243 is provided to receive the rib 105 of the first moulding member 1. As with the previous embodiment, the second elongate member 2 is again provided with a fixing slot 222 and shallow groove 224 to mate respectively with the attachment rib 416 and locating rib 415 on the support member 4. Looking at FIG. 6, this shows the first elongate moulding 1 having been push-fitted on to the support member 4 by movement in the direction shown generally by the arrow H. If the support member 4 is attached to a wall then this motion represents movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the flat wall surface. In certain embodiments, the support member 4 and elongate moulding 1 are supplied as separate components, such that the support member 4 can be attached to a wall or other surface and the elongate member 1 then push fitted onto it (and is later removable). In alternative embodiments the moulding 1 may be supplied already attached securely to the support member, for example with suitable adhesive. The second elongate moulding 2 may then also be push-fitted on to the support member and the first moulding by movement generally in the direction shown by the arrow V. In practice, this corresponds to positioning the flat rear surface 221 of the second moulding member 2 against the wall and then sliding the second moulding member 2 downwards such that the rib 416 is received in the slot 222 and the rib 105 is received in the slot 243 with the positioning rib 415 located in the shallow groove 224. The second attachment means can provide releasable attachment of the second moulding 2 to the support member 4. Looking in particular now at FIG. 7, this shows how again when the architrave moulding components 1, 2 are assembled and attached to the support member 4 they mate together, cover the support member from view, closely abut the wall surface against which the rear surface 412 of the support member is positioned, and also provide first and second channels C1, C2 for use in the routing of cables or wires. Again, in certain embodiments both of the architrave assembly components 1, 2 may easily be detached from the support member 4 to facilitate repositioning, and/or decorating. In other embodiments, only the second moulding 2 may be removable.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, these show another decorative system embodying the invention. Here the decorative system is a picture rail system comprising a picture rail assembly comprising interlocking first and second elongate mouldings 1, 2, and an elongate support member 4 for attachment at a desired position (i.e. along a desired line) on a wall. Once again, only relatively short sections of the various components are illustrated for simplicity. Also, certain features of the system correspond to features of the skirting board systems and architrave systems described above and are given the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the elongate support member 4 as supplied is not provided with any preformed fixing holes or slots. However, it can be drilled to suit requirements, or indeed can be affixed to a wall using alternative means (such as suitable adhesives and/or pins or nails). The support member 4 again comprises a generally flat base or plate portion 41. A longitudinally extending rib 413 is provided at an upper edge of this plate 41 and extends in a direction generally forwards from the front face 411. This rib 413 again forms part of the first attachment means and is received within the corresponding slot or channel 103 in the reverse face 12 of the first elongate moulding 1. Thus, the first elongate member 1 can simply be push-fitted onto the support member 4 by aligning its groove 103 with the rib or flange 413 and then moving the first moulding 1 towards the wall, coming to rest in the position shown in FIG. 9 with the rearmost flat portion 122 of the upper moulding 1 positioned against the wall (i.e. co-planar with the rear surface 412 of the support member) and the forwardly stepped flat portion 121 of the rear face 12 abutting the front face 411 of the support member base portion 41. Alternatively, the elongate first moulding 1 may be supplied pre-attached to the support member 4, for example with adhesive. A relatively large downwardly directed channel 133 (which runs along the length of the upper moulding member 1) is provided in the upper member 1 and this is arranged to receive an upper end portion 243 of the lower moulding 2. This lower moulding 2 has a decoratively profiled front phase 21, and a rear face, which includes a flat portion 221 for positioning against the wall surface. The rear portion of the lower member 2 is also provided with an attachment channel 222 to receive the downwardly directed longitudinal rib 416 provided at the lower edge of the support member 4 as the lower moulding 2 is slid up the wall. By moving this lower component 2 in this manner (i.e. a direction generally shown by the arrow V in FIG. 9), the upper end portion 243 of the lower member 2 is received within the slot 133. The reverse side 22 of the lower moulding 2 is also provided with a step or shoulder 226 which runs along the length of the member 2 and which steps toward the wall so as to provide a downward facing abutment surface. This step or shoulder can also be regarded as a longitudinal catch or mating surface. As the lower moulding 2 is pushed up into position, with the rib 416 being received in the slot 222 and the end portion 243 being received within the slot or channel 133, the step or catch 226 locates on the locating rib 415 of the support member in the position shown in FIG. 10. Preferably, the rib 415 is resilient (flexible) so that it can deform as the lower moulding 2 is moved upwards into position, and then engages with the catch 226 to help support the member 2 in place, in cooperation with in the holding of the upper portion 243 in the groove 133. Thus, the lower moulding is held in position (i.e. it is prevented from falling downwards). Again from FIG. 10 it can be seen that the two mouldings 1, 2 of the picture rail assembly enclose the support member 4 and there are also convenient channels C1, C2 provided in the assembled system. The lower moulding 2 can easily be removed from the wall-attached support member to facilitate decorating. The upper moulding 1 may also be removable, or may be glued in place.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-13 these show another decorative system embodying the invention. Here the decorative system is a chair rail system and comprises a first elongate moulding 1, a second, upper elongate moulding 2, and a third, lower elongate moulding 3. The system also comprises an attachment member 4 and first attachment means for attaching the first elongate member 1, second attachment means for attaching the second member 2 and third attachment means for attaching the third moulding 3. Once again, only relatively short sections of the various components are shown for simplicity. The first elongate member, which can also be regarded as a central moulding, in this example is securely attached to the support member with adhesive. The support member and first elongate member are supplied as a unit. In the manufacture of this unit the first elongate member has been adapted to push-fit on to a central attachment rib 413 on the support member 4, that attachment rib 413 forming an interference fit within a corresponding longitudinally extending slot 103 in the rear face of the central moulding 1′. In doing so, they have formed the arrangement shown in FIG. 12; in which flat surfaces 121 of the rear face of the central member 1 abut portions of the flat front face 411 of the support member. Portions of the mating/abutting surfaces have been coated with adhesive to secure the components together once pushed into place. The central member 1 has a curved front face 11. In the rear face, upper and lower recesses are provided such that when the central member 1 is attached to the support member 5 it defines upper and lower channels 1020 and 1030 respectively for receiving respective end portions 243 and 343 of the second and third elongate mouldings. The lower moulding 3 is very similar in form to that of the lower moulding 2 of the picture rail system described above, and push-fits from below to engage the assembly of the first elongate member 1 and support member 4 as shown in FIG. 12. The catch or shoulder 326 of the lower chair rail member 3 engages on the locating rib 419 on the support member as shown in FIG. 13. Thus, the third attachment means which provides attachment between the lower chair rail member 3 and the support member 4 comprises the downwardly directed rib or flange 420, the receiving slot 322, the catch 326, the locating rib 419 and also the portion 1210 of the rear surface of the middle member 1 which abuts the corresponding forward facing surface 310 to hold it in position with the catch 326 as a mating surface engaging the rib 419. The upper moulding's attachment is simply the mirror image of that of the lower moulding 3, including the mating between the upwardly projecting rib 416, slot 222, catch or shoulder 226 as mating surface, rib 415, upper flat surface 1211 and front flat surface 210. The completed chair rail system assembly is shown in FIG. 13 and it will be seen that this arrangement conveniently provides four channels C1, C2, C3, C4 for routing wires, cables and the like. Again, the various mouldings 1, 2, 3 can easily be detached from the support means 4 to facilitate decorating.

Referring now to FIG. 14 this is a schematic cross section of a support member for use in embodiments of the invention. In certain embodiments this member is formed by an extrusion, and it may be formed from plastic material. Alternatively, it could be formed from other material, for example aluminium. As with the previously described systems, the support member comprises a generally flat base portion 41 having a rear face 412. On this surface 412 there are provided a plurality of spacer members 4120 which contact a wall W against which the support member is placed. These spacer members may take a variety of forms. For example, in certain embodiments they are longitudinally extending ribs, whilst in other embodiments they may be relatively short, cylindrical or domed structures. The support member includes a lower, longitudinally extending attachment member 413 which projects forwards from the front face 411 of the base or plate portion 41 for reception within an appropriately sized groove or slot provided in the rear face of an elongate member for attachment to the support member 4. To facilitate attachment and yet also provide secure attachment, the attachment member 413 comprises a relatively wide end portion 4131 whose cross section is generally semi-circular, attached to the end of a relatively narrow, straight sided portion 4130. Also, at an intermediate position, between the curved end portion 4131 and the base of the thinner portion 4130 a pair of thin, transfers flanges 4132 (which may also be described as fins) are provided, these fins extending transversely from the sides of the thin portion 4130 and having a combined extent in the vertical direction which is substantially the same as that of the end portion 4131. Thus, as the attachment member 413 is received in the corresponding slot, the fins 4132 are able to engage on the sidewalls of the slot and attach it more securely. Adhesive may also be used to affix the elongate member securely and permanently to the support member. The curved end of the front portion 4131 facilitates location of the member 413 in the slot.

The support member comprises an additional attachment member 415 (which in certain examples can be regarded as a locating member). This also comprises a relatively wide, curved end portion 4151 located at the end of a relatively thin wall portion 4150 attaching it to the base portion 41. On this relatively thin portion 4150 there are no side fins provided. The support member 4 at its upper end comprises an upwardly directed rib 416, located on a transversely extending wall 4161 (i.e. which extends in the direction generally forward from the rear face 412 of the support member 4). Thus, the upwardly directed rib 416 is able to define a channel 4160 between itself and the surface of the wall W on which the support member is mounted. It will be appreciated that this upwardly directed rib 416 may be used as part of the attachment means for attaching an elongate moulding having a suitable groove to the support member 4. That elongate member may also comprise a transverse groove or slot for receiving the attachment member 415 provided lower down the support member 4. As that attachment member 415 is not provided with any transverse fins 4132, the elongate member locating on it can be located more easily, the absence of the fins 4132 committing a small degree of rotation of the elongate member about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support member 4. The portion 4150 in certain embodiments is made from relatively more flexible material than that of the remainder of the support member. For example, the portion 4150 and the rest of the support member may be formed by coextrusion, the portion 4150 being extruded from a rubber material or other flexible material, and the remainder being extruded from relatively less flexible, harder plastic. This enables the member 415 to deform as the relevant second elongate member is located into position (with a catch or groove locating on the member 415).

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, a further a skirting system embodying the joint of the invention is illustrated, which comprises a skirting board assembly comprising a first elongate member 1 and a second elongate member 2. The first elongate member 1 can also be described as a skirting board, and the second elongate member 2 can be described as an elongate moulding. These two components 1, 2 assemble together to form the skirting assembly. In FIGS. 15 and 16 the structure of the skirting system is similar to that of the skirting system shown in FIGS. 1-4, and corresponding features are therefore given the same reference numerals. The key differences from FIG. 14 are as follows.

This first attachment means 413 is now as described in relation to FIG. 14. The first attachment means also now includes additional features 500 a longitudinal rib or wall provided on the support member 4 which runs along attachment means 414 along its length but is spaced forwards from the base or wall portion 41 and is arranged so that its sides are generally parallel to the rear surface 412. The rib 500 is also arranged in an opposing direction to rib 416 for engagement with the second elongate member slot 222. Rib 500 engages with a longitudinal channel or groove 501 located in the first elongate member and facing upwards so as to receive and engage the downwardly directed rib 500 on the support member. In this embodiment it can be seen that the channel 501 is accommodated within channel 133 of the first elongate member, which is designed to accommodate the rib 241 of the second elongate member. As can be seen from FIG. 16, when assembled the joint is robust as the rib 500 of the support 4, rib 241 of the second elongate member 2 and the channel 133 of the first elongate member 1 are intimately in contact with each other.

Also indicated in FIGS. 15 and 16 is the is a cable management recess 503, which is located in the first elongate member 1 at a surface 14, which is proximate to a floor on completion of the skirting board assembly.

In FIGS. 15 and 16 in contrast with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 the flat surface portion 242 of the upper member 2 is omitted. A sloped portion of the moulding surface 225 now connects directly with a rib 241, which is now tapered to accommodate tapered channel 133 of the first elongate member.

Also indicated in FIGS. 15 and 16 is stop surface 504 associated with the shallow groove mating surface 224. The stop surface 504 is in contact with rib 415 after assembly of the joint. This is a further feature, which adds robustness to the joint once assembled.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, these show another decorative system embodying the joint of the invention. Here the decorative system is an architrave system comprising an architrave assembly of a first elongate member 1 and a second elongate member 2, and a support member 4. The structure of the architrave system is similar to that of the skirting system shown in FIGS. 1-4, 15 and 16 and the architrave show in FIGS. 5 to 7, and corresponding features are given the same reference numerals. The key difference compared to the architrave of FIGS. 5 to 7 is that the rib 600 and channel 601 arrangement to enable the first and second elongate members to interlock with each other is inverted with the rib 600 now being associated with the second elongate member. In addition the modified first engagement (500,501) means illustrated for the skirting of FIGS. 15 and 16 is used in the architrave of FIGS. 17 and 18.

Referring now to FIG. 19 this is a schematic cross section of a modified support member for use in embodiments of the invention. The support member 4 is broadly similar to that described in relation to FIG. 14. The support member comprises a generally flat base portion 41 having a rear face 412. Although not illustrated this support member may have a plurality of spacer members 4120 as described in FIG. 14. The support member includes a lower, longitudinally extending attachment member 413 which projects forwards from the front face 411 of the base or plate portion 41 for reception within an appropriately sized groove or slot provided in the rear face of an elongate member for attachment to the support member 4. To facilitate attachment and yet also provide secure attachment, the attachment member 413 comprises a relatively wide end portion 4131 whose cross section is generally semi-circular, attached to the end of a relatively narrow, straight sided portion 4130. Also, at an intermediate position, between the curved end portion 4131 and the base of the thinner portion 4130 a pair of thin, transfers flanges 4132 (which may also be described as fins) are provided, these fins extending transversely from the sides of the thin portion 4130 and having a combined extent in the vertical direction which is substantially the same as that of the end portion 4131. Thus, as the attachment member 413 is received in the corresponding slot, the fins 4132 are able to engage on the sidewalls of the slot and attach it more securely. Adhesive may also be used to affix the elongate member securely and permanently to the support member. The curved end of the front portion 4131 facilitates location of the member 413 in the slot.

The support member comprises an additional attachment member 415 (which in certain examples can be regarded as a locating member). This also comprises a relatively wide, curved end portion 4151 located at the end of a relatively thin wall portion 4150 attaching it to the base portion 41. On this relatively thin portion 4150 there are no side fins provided.

The support member 4 at its upper end comprises an upwardly directed rib 416, located on a transversely extending wall 4161 (i.e. which extends in the direction generally forward from the rear face 412 of the support member 4). Thus, the upwardly directed rib 416 is able to define a channel 4160 between itself and the surface of the wall W on which the support member is mounted. It will be appreciated that this upwardly directed rib 416 may be used as part of the attachment means for attaching an elongate moulding having a suitable groove to the support member 4. That elongate member may also comprise a transverse groove or slot for receiving the attachment member 415 provided lower down the support member 4. As that attachment member 415 is not provided with any transverse fins 4132, the elongate member locating on it can be located more easily, the absence of the fins 4132 committing a small degree of rotation of the elongate member about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support member 4. The portion 4150 in certain embodiments is made from relatively more flexible material than that of the remainder of the support member. For example, the portion 4150 and the rest of the support member may be formed by coextrusion, the portion 4150 being extruded from a rubber material or other flexible material, and the remainder being extruded from relatively less flexible, harder plastic. This enables the member 415 to deform as the relevant second elongate member is located into position (with a catch or groove locating on the member 415).

The support member further comprises a second attachment member 414 having a rib 500 located on a transversely extending wall 5001 (i.e. which extends in the direction generally forward from the rear face 412 of the support member 4). Thus, the downwardly directed rib 500 is able to define a channel 5002 between itself and surface 411 of the support member 4. It will be appreciated that this downwardly directed rib 500 may be used as part of the attachment means for attaching a first elongate member having a suitable groove to the support member 4. That elongate member may also comprise a transverse groove or slot for receiving the second attachment member 500.

It will be appreciated from the above description that decorative systems embodying the invention may be used in a variety of applications, and in particular, although not exclusively, for interior decoration.

Certain embodiments provide the advantage that the need to cut accurate lengths (in particular on a skirting base) can be decreased. In other words, the number of accurate cuts, and in particular accurate mitre cuts, that need to be made when fitting a decorative system embodying the invention are smaller than in the fitting of previously known systems.

Another advantage of embodiments of the invention is that the fittings used to attach the support members to a wall are hidden in the assembled system, thereby producing an improved aesthetic effect, and yet those fittings are easily exposable by removing certain components to facilitate adjustment, repositioning, and/or decorating.

Embodiments of the invention do cover a relatively large area on a wall and may be positioned above damaged plasterwork to provide a neat and attractive finished appearance.

Embodiments of the invention incorporate easily removable sections, which may also be flexible, which in turn can enable high accuracies to be achieved in joints.

Embodiments of the invention are adjustable so as to be able to incorporate different floor thicknesses, for example, and to aid accurate positioning and leveling.

In certain embodiments, by incorporating attachment means which enables one component to be push-fitted to a support member and another to be inserted from above or below (i.e. by movement in a vertical direction) the fitting of the system in corners is facilitated.

Embodiments of the invention are able to provide channels or conduits (which can also be regarded as cable trays) through which cables may be fed. Therefore, power cables, speaker cables, lighting cables or telephone cables can be routed through decorative systems embodying the invention with minimum cable exposure.

Components of the decorative systems embodying the invention are conveniently reusable, especially as the elongate mouldings are simply push-fitted on to the support member or members (no glue being required, or indeed screws or nails through the mouldings).

Embodiments of the invention are able to provide the advantage that they can reduce the time and the need for accuracy when decorating or redecorating.

Embodiments of the invention are able to reduce the skill level required to install the system as they may incorporate the ability to adjust the position at which the support member or members are attached to a wall.

Embodiments provide the further advantage that they can reduce the time taken to install the decorative system.

Embodiments provide the advantage that the refurbishing of floor areas is facilitated, with skirting systems being easily detachable and repositionable.

Embodiments can also provide the advantage that the support members are able to provide a cutting guide (for example for use in the cutting of wallpaper).

Embodiments incorporating means for adjusting the attachment position of the support member enable accurate alignment (e.g. leveling) of the decorative system to be achieved without the need for accurate positioning of holes drilled in a wall surface.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. 

1. A joint system for decorative or architectural features comprising: an assembly comprising a first elongate member and a second elongate member, and support means adapted for attachment to a wall to provide support for the assembly, the first elongate member being adapted to be attached to the support means via a first attachment means in a first position in which the first elongate member is in contact with the support and in part is in contact with the wall, the second elongate member attached to the support via a second attachment means in a second position in which the second elongate member is in contact with the support and in part is in contact with the wall substantially parallel to the first elongate member attached in the first position.
 2. A joint for a decorative system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support means is adapted for attachment to a wall along a desired line to provide support for the assembly along said line and the first and second elongate members extend along the line.
 3. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first attachment means is arranged to non-releasably attach the first elongate member to the support means.
 4. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first attachment means is arranged to releasably attach the first elongate member to the support means.
 5. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with claim 4, wherein the first attachment means is adapted such that the first elongate member is attachable to the support means by aligning the first elongate member in a position spaced from the wall in front of the support means attached to the wall and translating the aligned first elongate member towards the wall to said first position.
 6. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the second attachment means is adapted to releasably attach the second elongate member to the support means.
 7. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with claim 6, wherein the second attachment means is arranged such that the second elongate member is attachable to the support means by firstly positioning the second elongate member against the wall and alongside the support means, the second elongate member extending in a direction generally parallel to the desired line, and secondly translating the second elongate member from this initial position towards the support in a plane parallel to the wall surface and into engagement with the support.
 8. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the assembly further comprises a third elongate member, and the system further comprises third attachment means adapted to attach the third elongate member to the support means, when the support means is attached to the wall, in a third position in which the third elongate member extends along the line, alongside and substantially parallel to the first and second elongate members attached in the first and second positions.
 9. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the support means comprises an elongate support member having a longitudinal axis.
 10. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with claim 9, wherein the support member comprises a plurality of fixing apertures spaced apart along said longitudinal axis for receiving fixing screws to attach the support member to a wall.
 11. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with claim 10, wherein the plurality of fixing apertures comprises a plurality of fixing slots, each fixing slot extending generally transversely to the longitudinal axis.
 12. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the first attachment means comprises an attachment member provided on the support member, and arranged to protrude in a direction generally away from a wall to which the support member is attached, and a corresponding recess provided on the first elongate member to receive and engage the attachment member when the first elongate member is in the first position.
 13. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with claim 12, wherein the attachment member comprises a rib protruding from a surface of the support member and extending along a length of the support member.
 14. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the corresponding recess comprises a longitudinal slot.
 15. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first attachment means comprises a second rib protruding from a surface of the support member and extending along a length of the support member, parallel to the first rib, and a second corresponding longitudinal slot provided on the first elongate member.
 16. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the second attachment means comprises an attachment member provided on the support member, and arranged to protrude in a direction generally parallel to a wall to which the support member is attached, and a corresponding attachment members, provided on the second elongate member to receive and engage the attachment member of the support member when the second elongate member is in the second position.
 17. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with claim 16, wherein the attachment member of the second attachment means comprises a rib attachment member extending along a length of the support member.
 18. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with claim 17, wherein the corresponding recess on the second support member comprises a longitudinal slot.
 19. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the rib attachment member of the second attachment means is arranged so as to be spaced from and parallel to a surface of a wall to which the support member is attached.
 20. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with any one of claims 9 to 19, wherein the support member and assembly are adapted such that when the assembly members are attached to the support means, at least one longitudinal channel for routing a wire or cable is defined between the support member and at least one of the elongate members.
 21. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the first and second elongate members are adapted such that when attached to the support means in the first and second positions, a surface of the first elongate member abuts a surface of the second elongate member.
 22. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein one of the first and second elongate members comprises an elongate mating rib and the other one of the first and second elongate members comprises a corresponding elongate mating slot for receiving and engaging the mating rib, the arrangement being such that when the first and second elongate members are attached to the support means in the first and second positions, the mating rib is received in and engaged by the mating slot.
 23. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the first attachment means of the support may comprises a second attachment member arranged to protrude from the support in a direction generally parallel to a wall to which the support member is attached.
 24. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with claim 23, wherein the second attachment member comprises a rib attachment member extending along a length of the support member arranged so as to be spaced from and parallel to a surface of a wall to which the support member is attached.
 25. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with claims 23 or 24 wherein there is a corresponding recess for the second attachment means on the first elongate member arranged to be parallel to the surface of the wall.
 26. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with claims 24, wherein the second rib attachment member is orientated to be in the opposing direction to the rib attachment member of the first attachment member on the support, which is associated with the second attachment means.
 27. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the second elongate member comprises at least one mating surface, located on an internal surface exposed to the support means and the support means comprises a resilient mating rib extending from a support means surface exposed to the second elongate member.
 28. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with claim 28, wherein the second elongate member has an engagement surface, which is contacted by the mating rib before it engages with the mating surface, during assembly of the joint.
 29. A joint for a decorative system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support is a resilient support.
 30. A joint as claimed in any one of the preceding claims incorporated into a skirting board or picture rail or dado rail or architrave or chair rail.
 31. A skirting board as claimed in claim 30 comprising a cable management recess located in the first elongate member at a surface, which is proximate to a floor on completion of the skirting board assembly. 